Medik8 is a brand where efficacy meets ethics. This clinically proven brand is relatively new to the market (just 15 years old!), but it’s quickly become synonymous with effective formulas that deliver results. That shouldn’t come as a surprise if you know a little bit about the brand’s history. Before launching the brand, the founder tried to focus on ingredients that actually had scientific backing. Medik8 began by focusing on vitamin C, retinoids, and sunscreen–often recognized as the cornerstones of effective anti-aging skincare–, and has since added more scientifically proven ingredients such as peptides, ceramides, and exfoliating acids. This focus on highly effective ingredients has been intertwined with a continuous effort to keep the brand sustainable and ethical, culminating in a B Corp Certification in 2023. The motto “results without compromise” remains the foundation of Medik8–and that’s exactly what you’ll find in the brand’s best products.
On this post:
Medik8: The Brand in Review
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Year Founded | 2009 |
| Brand Type | Clinical |
| Our Best Selling Product | Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30% Complex Multi-Peptide Serum |
| Author’s Favorite | Medik8 Advanced Ultimate Protect Age-Defying Moisturiser SPF50 50ml |
| Best New Launch | Medik8 Crystal Retinal 24 Night Serum 30ml |
| 3 Reasons To Buy | – Top of the game regarding retinoids and vitamin C – Formulated with the highest efficacy in mind – B Corp and proudly sustainable |
Top 8 Medik8 Products
Choosing favorites and top performers from a brand solely focused on delivering efficacy isn’t easy. Even so, we worked hard to bring you the formulas everyone tends to love and get results from. These are the Medik8 products you should consider trying if you’re not familiar with the brand.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Night Serum
The best retinoid
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Night Serum
Meet Medik8 Crystal Retinal, the absolute best-selling retinoid in the market, available in a variety of different concentrations. The number you see on each version is the percentage of retinoids that are present in the formula (from 0.01% to 0.24%).
If you’re just starting your retinol journey, you should start with number 3, unless you are very afraid of retinoids or have extremely sensitive skin, in which case you can opt for Crystal Retinal 1. The concentrations increase until we finally reach Crystal Retinal 24, the ultimate strength for those who have tried every retinoid on the market–and still want more.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30% Complex Multi-Peptide Serum
The ally against signs of aging
Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30% Complex Multi-Peptide Serum
After Matrixyl 3000 broke the consensus on skincare ingredients and created a space of its own, other peptides emerged. It’s now fully known that certain peptides can generate effective results on the skin, without the trials and tribulations of the gold standard retinoids. Copper peptides, in particular, have gained traction in recent years.
Based on this knowledge, Medik8 Liquid Peptides 30% Complex Multi-Peptide Serum combines a myriad of different peptides that have proven their worth in fighting wrinkles and loss of firmness, making it ideal for anyone trying to prevent and delay signs of aging.
Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C C-Tetra Cream SPF30
The 2-in-1 moisturizer for busy mornings
Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C C-Tetra Cream SPF30
We’ve mentioned how the Medik8 skincare philosophy revolves around three fundamental elements: retinoids, vitamin C, and sunscreen. It’s no wonder, then, that the brand has developed a day cream with vitamin C and SPF, perfect for those who like to keep their morning routines simple, combining two or more steps into one whenever possible.
The product in question, Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C C-Tetra Cream SPF30, ensures antioxidant action and sun protection in a single step, with a versatile texture that adapts to all skin types.
Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic
The exfoliating toner for skin cyclers
Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic
Love a good skin cycling routine? Try the Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic, the perfect toner for your exfoliation nights.
The formula features Gluconolactone (PHA), a large exfoliating molecule that is perfect for sensitive skin types, as it gentle buffs away dead skin cells without disrupting the skin. Also included are prickly pear, açaí extract, and aloe vera, which work together to soothe the skin and reduce irritation, while the exfoliation promotes a brighter complexion.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream 6
The all-in-one-eye cream
Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream 6
Looking for an eye cream that targets crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark circles? Look no further than the Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream 6.
Rich in replenishing ceramides, which reduce irritation and nourish the skin, this eye cream succeeds in bringing the benefits of retinoids to the sensitive eye contour area. As well as fighting wrinkles, it works to reduce puffiness and brighten the eye contour. The formula is suitable even for delicate skin, as long as you choose the lowest concentrations, as with the regular Crystal Retinal.
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel
The multi-benefit active cleanser
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel
A cleanser can be just a cleanser, formulated to be in contact with your skin for just a few seconds–or it can be much, much more. Research has shown that exfoliating acids in cleansers can actually provide a beneficial effect on the skin.
The Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse AHA/BHA Cleansing Gel falls into the latter group, with an AHA/BHA-rich formula that cleanses the skin in depth and provides gentle exfoliation without overdoing it. It’s the closest thing to magic!
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore Rejuvenating Multi-Ceramide Night Cream
The best cream for combining with retinoids
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore Rejuvenating Multi-Ceramide Night Cream
Many people who use retinoids are looking for the ideal cream to combine with them, something that can soothe, moisturize, and repair the skin to avoid some of the discomfort associated with retinoids. Ceramides, which have been around for a long time but have made a comeback in recent years, are the perfect ingredient for the job!
With this Advanced Night Restore Rejuvenating Multi-Ceramide Night Cream, the retinoid experts at Medik8 have created a true match made in heaven. If you use retinoids, try this cream–it’ll be perfect for your needs.
Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Radiance Serum
The solution for luminous skin
Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Radiance Serum
Well, yes, we’ve already talked about vitamin C, but we couldn’t leave without writing about the Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Radiance Serum, the ultimate vitamin C for sensitive skin.
This is a lightweight serum that combines vitamins C and E for expert protection against environmental aggressions, irritation, and free radical damage. After just 7 days of use it’ll reveal glowing, radiant skin, whatever your skin type!
(Not a sensitive skin person? You may want to try the Tetra-C Luxe instead.)
It’s hard to choose favorites from Medik8, a true “no skips” collection of clinically-proven formulas that deliver results. Explore our full selection of Medik8 skincare in the shop, or contact our team of pharmacists for extra help building your skincare routine.
